DeGette, Slaughter lead House and Senate Colleagues to Introduce Resolutions Condemning Violence Against Women's Health Providers and Patients

Press Release

Today, U.S. Reps. Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Louise Slaughter (NY-25) along with U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) announced resolutions they have introduced in the House and Senate, respectively, to condemn violence against women's health providers and patients across the United States following the horrific attack outside of a Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood that left three dead and nine wounded.

The resolutions recognize that violence, intimidation, and threats against women's health care providers and their patients has persisted for decades, with an increase in incidents of arson, vandalism, and threats over the past six months, further recognizing the serious impact that demonizing, extreme rhetoric has on creating a climate that is dangerous for those who would provide or seek access to comprehensive health care services. The members reiterated a woman's constitutional right to make her own health care decisions and have access to health care services without fear of violence or harassment.‎

"No one should have to face intimidation or violence when going to the doctor, but for too many women, threats and attacks have been a reality simply because they have sought reproductive health care," said Rep. DeGette. "This is simply unacceptable, and I am joining colleagues in both the House and Senate to say that such threats and attacks must stop. The recent attack in Colorado Springs and other incidents across the country underscore the urgency we all feel that this violence must stop right away."

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